CELEBRATING A SPECIAL LIFE

Tribute planned for young boy who succumbed to illness

Tribute planned for young boy who succumbed to illness

Alcide Costard was a sick little boy all his short life.

He had a life-threatening genetic disorder called Fanconi’s Anemia, a disorder that caused his bone marrow to fail.

The only possible cure would have been a bone marrow transplant, but family chose not to pursue that option because of all the Winsloe boy’s other underlying health issues, including renal failure.

On Easter Sunday, just a few weeks after his seventh birthday, Alcide died from complications of Fanconi’s Anemia.

While Kay Hryckiw always knew her cousin’s son, Alcide, could die at any time, she made a point of enjoying each moment spent with the boy who always called her “tantine”, the French word for auntie.

“I honestly never thought of it a lot,’’ she says of the constant threat of death that faced the son of Lana Benoit and Gene Costard. “He was just so full of life. He was just so happy. He played around a lot.’’

Hryckiw says her fondest memories of Alcide are taking the boy for special treats after his numerous visits to hospital for blood work, life-sustaining transfusions (he had more than 100) and other medical attention.

“He was quite the little character. He loved dressing up. He always had costumes on. He loved his sparkly stuff.’’

Alcide, who also loved listening to Willie Nelson’s music, got to meet the legendary country singer/songwriter through the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Hryckiw says she was glad to be a part of Alcide’s journey.

Now she is set to celebrate the boy’s special life.

Hryckiw, who owns and operates Cavendish KOA Campground with her husband, Victor, will hold a special memorial for Alcide during the opening weekend of the campground, May 26-28.

She says some Islanders who were introduced to Alcide through media stories told her they felt a personal connection to the boy.

“He was just so fun – just like a typical little seven year old,’’ Hryckiw recalls fondly.

She will also hold a fundraising event over the opening days of Cavendish KOA Campground.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/LANA BENOIT Alcide Costard, who was made an honorary member of both the East River Fire Department and the Charlottetown Fire Department, died on Easter Sunday. A special tribute will be held for Alcide, who had a disorder that caused his bone marrow to fail,...